IFC, ITIDA Help Improve ICT Skills in Egypt

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, signed an agreement to help enhance the skills of prospective information and communication technology (ICT) workers in Egypt, develop sector specific education and training, and improve the employability of ICT graduates.

IFC will help the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) set up a foundation for talent development, in line with the needs of the market. This includes developing a National Qualifications/Skills Competence Framework that will demonstrate the skills and competences required by the sector as well as providing advisory support on existing sector specific education and training. IFC will also help ITIDA set up new educational initiatives to meet the needs of the ever evolving ICT sector, and encourage dialogue between the government and private ICT companies.

“Sourcing talent has become a major challenge to companies as graduates do not possess the necessary technical skills to join the industry,” said Hussein El-Gueretly, ITIDA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our partnership with IFC will help us improve ICT education and narrow the skills gap.”

ICT is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing sectors in Egypt. It has an annual growth rate expected to reach 14 percent in 2016 and contributes about 4.4 percent to the country’s gross domestic product. The need for a skilled workforce across the sector is expected to grow as the market grows and foreign direct investment increases.